- What level of government did you target to translate your research into policy and why did this make the most sense?
- I have not targeted a level of government to translate my research into policy.
- What level of government makes the most sense for you to translate your research into policy and why?
- At this point, the intervention is best utilized at a local level within community organizations. After evaluating the intervention and presenting to the national organization, HIV Vaccine Trial Network, it could be incorporated at a national level on TV or within more widespread community organizations.
- What strategies did you use to reach policymakers?
- I do not have strategies to reach policymakers, as this is an educational video to increase knowledge of HIV vaccine research.
- What steps are available to you to reach policymakers?
- Perhaps HIV prevention task forces would be interested in incorporating the video into their intervention tools.
Hi Jessica,
I'm not sure why, but if you were to target a level of government it seems like a good place to start would be at the state level. I also wondered about the dept of public health (is that by county?). In class we talked about leveraging large organizations (like in pediatric rheum the national body is the American College of Rheumatology, or by foundation - the arthritis foundation or lupus foundation of america). He said to approach these relationships with caution - as you may have to compromise if you then have to adopt an larger organizations whole platform. Just some thoughts!
nikki
Hi Jessica,
I think you raise some interesting points - it seems that for some of these projects, perhaps it isn't necessary to involve government? As Andy Bindman said in his lecture, generally if there is ANY way to get done what you want to get done without having to involve policymakers, that is the best scenario for all involved. However, if you did want to get more leverage out of your video and disseminate it to a wider audience, at least talking to officials at the SFDPH could be really helpful as they have over time likely identified creative strategies for reaching wider populations in SF and surrounding areas...
Jessica - in the HIV research field you have the advantage of having lots of grassroots and community support - I would think these organizations would be a rich source of support and backing. I would try to get in touch with some of these organizations early to make sure you are studying and using the messaging that they are interested in seeing.
I started thinking about how your video could be used to inform state and federal lawmakers, who might then be convinced of the need to target hard-to-reach men to participate in a vaccine trial. They might then provide funds for dissemination of your video to a wider audience. One approach would be to meet with SF Aids Foundation (if you are not already working with them).
"San Francisco AIDS Foundation was the California Statewide Coordinator for AIDSWatch 2014 and held a dozen meetings with key congressional offices for the state’s participants. “Despite the very tight schedule and rainy day, the participants were successful in conveying to policymakers the importance of federal HIV/AIDS programs to Californians,” says Hopkins."